[plug] suse kernel upgrade

[Richard Meyer]

On Sat, 2005-12-24 at 00:38 +0800, Jon Miller wrote:
> It has been reported that kernel version 2.6.8 or better handles SCSI tape backups for LTO drives and better.  Where as the version of the kernel that comes with Suse v9 is not up to that version by default.  
> On our Debian box we use the 2.4 version and the backup does not work with a SCSI Tape Backup system on this also.  It is very sporadic, I've been fighting this problem for quite some time.  On another sites which uses Red Hat it's the same story the backup has gone from working sometimes to not working throughout the year. I've had IBM come out and check things and they cannot get to the bottom of problem.
> So after doing some research on the matter I came to a website that gave an exact explaination of what is going on at all 3 sites.
> The version of the kernel recommended for the 2.4 kernel is v 2.4.29. I thought I would build a test box and give the updated Kernel version a try.  However, before I go and do this I thought it be best to check which method is the best for the distros I use.
> reference site: http://www.linuxtapecert.org/
> 
> JLM

I presume that since you are using SLES on a server, that you have are
using the SUSE sites for updating. Why not contact SUSE and ask about
getting those enhancements backported. They often do backport functional
enhancements and, as I said, bug fixes.

The standard SUSE kernels are rather heavily modified, and you may lose
functionality by upgrading to a stock kernel.
> 
> >>> meyerri at westnet.com.au 4:06:27 pm 23/12/2005 >>>
> On Fri, 2005-12-23 at 15:39 +0800, Jon Miller wrote:
> > I've installed SUSE Enterprise Server 9, and would like to put on the
> > latest kernel on, I believe the latest version for 2.6 is 2.6.14.4
> > whereas the version on the server is 2.6.5-7.97-smp.  My question s
> > should this be done via the distro app which probably not get me up to
> > the latest version of can I do it manually by d/l the latest stable
> > version.
> > 
> > 
> > Thanks
> 
> Just one question - Why?
> 
> SLES (SuSE Linux Enterprise Server) is one of those products like RHEL
> or Debian Stable. It is not meant to be "contaminated" by the latest and
> possibly buggiest packages available. The theory is that you run a set
> of packages which are only patched for security holes, not for features.
> 
> If problems are found and fixes are introduced into newer kernels, the
> fixes will be backported into your kernel version. Which may require you
> to have a SUSE support account.
> 
> If you want the latest, I suggest you move to SUSE 10.0
> 
> You can download and recompile a new kernel - I just question whether
> it's a good idea - since you're now going to have to keep an eye on the
> kernel mailing list for problems, and actively patch them ....
> 
> It's up to you - I just question the rationale of installing SLES and
> then wanting the latest kernel whizzbangs ...
> 
> 
> [OT] Merry Christmas to all
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-- 
Richard Meyer <meyerri at westnet.com.au>